Identifying and Relieving Unresolved Pain and Symptoms

Identifying and Relieving Unresolved Pain and Symptoms

Denice G. Hilty, D.C.December 17, 2004

In my experience many dancers work hard to nurture and rehabilitate painful or injured areas and when they are unsuccessful it leaves them feeling discouraged and unable to perform their best. In most cases, facilitating the healing process should include rest from activities, structural corrections, neuromuscular reactivation of involved muscles, and conditioning and nutritional support. If symptoms continue after proper rehabilitation, then other causes should be explored to explain the residual discomfort. Until the proper causes are addressed and healed, the symptoms will persist.

Pain and symptoms are our bodies alarm systems to let us know when we need to pay attention to our health. In athletes, symptoms are often blamed on tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints or structure. The musculoskeletal system is a good place to start; however, in most cases the cause is multifactoral. Many dancers and other types of athletes are frustrated with lingering problems especially those which effect their abilities. Those who visit healthcare professionals often leave with unresolved symptoms, unanswered questions and unimproved health.

There are several overlooked factors that may contribute to or mimic musculoskeletal pain. Some possibilities include hormones. For example, certain imbalances in hormones cause ligament laxity, which contribute to injuries, chronic pain and slow healing. Referral of pain from organs like the gallbladder is known to cause neck, shoulder and hip pain. Excessive toxicity can reduce flexibility, decrease range of motion and increase pain throughout the body. These are only a few examples of possible underlying causes. A thorough examination should be done by a healthcare provider trained to evaluate the body to identify these potential imbalances. Self-diagnosis and treatment is never in the best interest of your health.

Being in pain for most dancers is often frustrating. Finding the cause of distress is critical to begin the appropriate healing process. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. The long term negative effects of stress, pollution, poor nutrition, inadequate rest and lack of regular physical exercise are often overlooked, underestimated or unknown. Identifying and addressing imbalances is a comprehensive holistic approach. A holistic approach often relieves symptoms, modifies contributing factors, prevents injuries and enhances the patient's life system to optimize future well being.